Harriett quizzes County Council on bike ride road closures

Harriett Baldwin has called for a re-think after local businesses and parish councils complained to her about road closures planned during a bike race.

The MP has contacted Worcestershire County Council to ask for a re-think after she was contacted by local businesses concerned about the impact of the Velo Birmingham bike race on their trade.

The Velo Birmingham bike event is planned to take place on Sunday, September 24 with the route taking place over more than 80 miles of Worcestershire roads.

Local businesses have contacted Harriett concerned about the road closures which will prevent them from trading for a whole day at the end of the summer.

Harriett commented: “I have had a number of complaints from local business people and have written to Worcestershire County Council to investigate what the plans are for reducing the negative impact on our hard-pressed businesses who face a whole day without trade.

“While this is labelled a Birmingham event, much of the riding will take place across our beautiful county roads. The proposed road closures seem draconian and I hope that the County Council will be able to develop a better plan.

“Everyone who has contacted me has also been alarmed at the lack of consultation over the route and road closures. While we welcome people visiting our beautiful countryside, this must not be at the cost of local businesses and local people.

“I hope that the county council will take a fresh look at the whole event and find a plan which works to the benefit of both tourists and local people. If not I will be urging the council to withdraw its permission to close local roads and abandon this event altogether.”